coca

noun

co·​ca ˈkō-kə 

1

: any of several South American shrubs (genus Erythroxylon, family Erythroxylaceae)

especially : one (E. coca) that is the primary source of cocaine

2

: dried leaves of a coca (especially Erythroxylon coca) containing alkaloids including cocaine

Examples of coca in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Because of these and other factors, the program to eradicate coca farming in Colombia failed, and production exploded. —Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 17 Feb. 2026

Petro also urged the rebels to back efforts to replace coca crops in the northeastern Catatumbo region. —ABC News, 15 Feb. 2026

Colombia regularly breaks its own annual record for coca leaf cultivation and powder cocaine production. —CBS News, 22 Nov. 2025

Research by investigative group Mongabay last year identified 128 clandestine airstrips cut into the jungle across six Peruvian regions, some surrounded by coca plantations. —Tim Lister, CNN Money, 22 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Spanish, from Quechua kuka

First Known Use

1670, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for coca

• boca
• bocca
• broca
• cloaca
• loca
• phoca
• tapioca

Kids Definition

coca

noun

co·​ca ˈkō-kə 

: a South American shrub with leaves that are the source of cocaine

also : its dried leaves

Medical Definition

coca

noun

co·​ca ˈkō-kə 

1

: any of several South American shrubs (genus Erythroxylon of the family Erythroxylaceae)

especially : one (E. coca) that is the primary source of cocaine

2

: dried leaves of a coca (as Erythroxylon coca) containing alkaloids including cocaine